WP brawlers get off lightly

Western Province loose forwards Jebb Sinclair and Tyrone Holmes have almost completely escaped further punishment for the punches they threw at Kings Park on Saturday.

Both players were shown reds cards after punching Sharks players in their Currie Cup encounter which was played in wet conditions in Durban, but Sinclair has escaped suspension completely whilst Holmes will miss just one week.

Canadian international Sinclair will be available for selection against Griquas this weekend after the judicial officer Peter Ingwersen found that there were mitigating circumstances in his situation as he had been provoked by Sharks captain Jean Deysel who was shown a yellow card.

Holmes was not as lucky and will miss the clash with Griquas, but will be available from next week.

Ingwersen chaired both hearings, reviewing video footage and evidence and representations from both players.

He explained that the sending off of Sinclair was deemed to be sufficient sanction when all factors were considered.

He said: "Sinclair was severely provoked in that he was struck five times by his opponent with an open hand before he retaliated.  

"The offence was classified as a low end contravention which carries a two week suspension as sanction unless compelling on-field and/or off-field mitigating features were found.

"The DC found such mitigating features to exist in this case and the sending off was considered to be sufficient sanction. Sinclair is free to continue playing," added the judicial officer.

Ingwersen said that although Holmes was also provoked, he was not attacked in the same manner as Sinclair and will therefore be sidelined for a week.

He said: "Holmes was severely provoked but as he was never subjected to a physical attack as in the case of Sinclair.

"His retaliation rendered him culpable. The offence was classified as being at the low end of the scale. This proposes a two week sanction.

"The player was provoked but not to the degree that it warranted his actions and the mitigating circumstances are not such that no further sanction should be contemplated. Holmes was therefore suspended for one week, which means that he will not be permitted to play this coming Saturday," added Ingwersen.